Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.

The Evergreen Model: The gateway strategy model

Like other strategic models, the Evergreen Model has its best case uses and poor fits. The Evergreen Model, also known as the 4 + 2 Model, is a good for a general organizational framework. The Evergreen Model looks into core organizational aspects that need to be well aligned to lead toward marketplace success.

-The 4+2 Elements-

This model comes from a comprehensive 10 year study of 160 companies, across 40 industries, which were all performing at an equal level. The study was named “The Evergreen Project.” Over time, there were clear companies that excelled while others floundered. The results of tracking and examining these companies can be boiled down to a set of 4 core pursuits common to the successful companies and a selection of 2 auxiliary pursuits. This is why it is sometimes known as the 4 + 2 Model instead of the Evergreen Model. The authors of the study and model are:

Nithin Nora, Dean of the Harvard Business School

William Joyce, Strategy and Organizational Theory from Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business

Bruce Roberson, Executive Vice President of marketing and sales at Safety-Kleen

The model can be used as an organizational assessment that covers common organizational elements. I will later get into the assessment or consulting take on the model. That will include question sets to examine the health and orientation of the 4 core pursuits as well as the 2 selected auxiliary pursuits. Each of the examined pursuits could lead to many initiatives, which is why it is a more general framework.

The distilled essence of the core four elements are as follows:

Strategy

Focus and stay the course

Continually grow

Execution

Strive for excellence

Prioritize operational changes to ensure solid delivery

Culture

Drive performance and behavior

Reinforce and reward good performance

Structure

Create a simple, flat, and non-bureaucratic organization

Instill collaboration and empowerment

All 4 core elements are crucial for success. These drive the organization forward and sustain it over time. It is also nice to have visuals. Here are the 4 core elements and the selection of the 2 auxiliary elements on the right.

The selection of the 2 auxiliary strategic pursuits should be determined by a combination of what would be most appealing or helpful to the organization and what the organization has already been striving towards.

For example, not all market spaces would require innovation if the organization delivers products or services that do not need to be new to the industry or environment. Another example might be that talent is not crucial for the organization if the primary execution does not require advanced experience or knowledge.

It is likely that most organizations have been working toward one or more of these pursuits, but may not have clearly focused on just two.

-Next Steps-

I call the Evergreen Model the gateway model as it sets up high level of organizational guidance. Once it is employed, it can lead to many other avenues of inquiry and effort. Other strategic models might complement the approach an organization takes. Try it out and see how it can take your organization to its next level.

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.

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